NEW YORK (May 1, 2013) – This week the Chicago Fire and MLS filed an appeal for review of the red card issued to Chicago Fire midfielder Jeff Larentowicz in the 63rd minute of the April 27 game against Montreal Impact (VIDEO). The referee ruled that Larentowicz denied an obvious goal scoring opportunity.

An independent panel consisting of one representative from the U.S. Soccer Federation, Canadian Soccer Association, and Professional Referees Organization (PRO) was not unanimous that the referee incorrectly identified the offence or that the disciplinary action was incorrect.

As a result, the appeal will not be upheld, and Larentowicz’ automatic one-game suspension will stand. The panel did not consider the appeal by the Chicago Fire to be frivolous.

In order for an automatic one-game suspension to be overturned, the panel must be unanimous that the red card decision by the referee was an obvious error.